Outstanding results in amateur world time trial competition

Thursday, May 20, 2010, 14:00

Cold, Rain and Heavy winds featured in the Amateur World Time Trial Championships held last Saturday at Occhiobello in Italy. The 21km flat course on the banks of the River Po saw over 80 competitors, hailing mostly from Italy and other European countries challenge the elements in a top level time trial competition.

Etienne Bonello and Danica Bonello Spiteri rode to their utmost to score outstanding results in such a high level competition. Bonello Spiteri rode to third place in the lady’s category at 38.5km/h clocking 31min 53 sec. The lady’s race was won by Marta Bernini of Italy. Meanwhile Bonello had to face a strong challenge as his category was the most contested. He finished in 7th place riding at an impressive 47.7km/h in 26min 24seconds.

The Amateur world title went to this year’s Tour of Malta winner Francesco Pizzo of Italy after edging defending world champion Andrej Gucek of Slovenia with a mere two seconds. ‘This was the best time trial race that I’ve ever done! The strong winds and rain did not help, however I really managed to pace myself, to ride a strong finale! In fact I raced the second half of my race even faster than the first half!’ an elated Bonello Spiteri said.

Etienne Bonello who is Malta’s leader in this cycling discipline was overjoyed with his performance. ‘It was a hard start as there was a very strong side wind which was throwing me all over the road however I had strong legs today and rode solidly all throughout the race. I didn’t expect to achieve a top ten position, after seeing the starting list yesterday, since some riders ride full time, despite being amateurs, so it is a
positive result for me.’

Both riders had words of praise about the race and the high level of competition. In Malta time trials are usually a number of laps around a given circuit involving numerous u-turns which really slows the pace down. In Italy we had the opportunity to test ourselves, by cycling
down a 21km straight road without touching our brakes nor moving our hands from the aerobars.

The trip was possible with the support of Greens Supermarket, Gipiemme Wheels and BBB Bike Parts.

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